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Is it normal for my puppy's nipples or belly button to be black?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | unspayed | 9 months and 23 days old | 8.13 lbs

Is it natural that it is black?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 11th, 2018

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The picture isn't the greatest quality so I hope I am seeing what you are seeing. The black at the ends of the nipples are normal and not of a concern, as is a little bit of a different colour near the belly button region. If there is a bump that is sore, swollen, red or hot where the belly button is and it is discoloured, this is not normal and very concerning, but this doesn't appear the be the case in the picture. Best of luck with your little one!

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